The Current One wrote:Martin reminds me of Lidstrom. Similar style, build, etc. The only difference is, Lidstrom knew how to play defense, and Martin doesn't. The reason he was "successful" in NJ was their trapping, clutch-and-grab style. With the Pens he has been exposed for what he is: a soft defenseman that cannot defend one on one, and is easily pushed around in front of the net.

The Current One wrote:Martin reminds me of Lidstrom. Similar style, build, etc. The only difference is, Lidstrom knew how to play defense, and Martin doesn't. The reason he was "successful" in NJ was their trapping, clutch-and-grab style. With the Pens he has been exposed for what he is: a soft defenseman that cannot defend one on one, and is easily pushed around in front of the net.

So you're saying when Paul Martin plays positional defense and can defend the puck carrier because his linemate is in position and clearing the net traffic, he looks like Nicklas Lidstrom? But when you ask a positional defender with good puck skills to play a physical game away from the puck he doesn't perform as well?

pittsoccer33 wrote:Maybe he has a better season? Like he did his last year in New Jersey when he was tearing it up before his broken wrist kept him off Team USA? And his fairly solid first season in Pittsburgh? Or is that not possible?

I don't understand the Martin hate. I thought the entire defense was extremely inconsistent, Martin included. I think it got to the point where after a goal against people started looking to see if Martin was on the ice just so they could yell "UGHHH MARTINNN"

it's just as common (if not more) for teammates and coaches to stick up for a player rather than jump on board with an "accepted story" - especially for a player who has already reached the peak of his development.

shmenguin wrote:it's just as common (if not more) for teammates and coaches to stick up for a player rather than jump on board with an "accepted story" - especially for a player who has already reached the peak of his development.

They already did the politically correct answers during Martin's struggles, i.e. "we have confidence and faith, know how well he can play etc etc". This was just honesty, and not even brutal honesty!